Cold Steel GIM Sword

So waited quite awhile to do this. Start with bad news. Finish was bad, sanding (DEEP coarse sanding marks) under clear coat however the coating itself wasn't bad but why put okay finish without proper sanding? Like 6 grit type. Sorry I tried to get good pics, on phone no less, just goes to show I suck taking pics. Also the pin in the handle had been hammered in with a pattern faced hammer, you can see in pic patter hammered INTO the pin end and nearby wood. The hanger cloth is cheap, so what and I don't care. Now the GREAT news, AMAZING sword and with a little work scabbard! Once sanded smooth and properly, 400 grit then wiped with slightly damp sponge and let dry I finished with 20 coats of hand rubbed Tung Oil both scabbard and wood handle. Hand rub coat into wood let dry 24 hours rub with clean cloth and repeat, so 20 days to do the finish you see in last 4 pics. WORTH it! The wood for scabbard and handle is beautiful, like WOW beautiful especially when properly finished. No I did not remove metal on scabbard because they are put on with tiny pins/nails and I didn't want to damage it so worked around. Scabbard, well made beautiful wood and metal fittings are a good fit, not excellent but good. The pics DO NOT do it any justice for just how beautiful this is either wood of metal fittings. Sword fit into scabbard can be snug to tight so before trying to push it in clean blade well and use light oil and TAKE YOUR TIME working it in if you get a tight one. The sword, wow, just wow. Blade is very, very nice clean beautiful lines and great polish, mine came sharp so be careful. Handle metal is thick, great casting and amazing detail. I own several Katana's both Iaido practice and real Shinken (sharp swords) this is my first Chinese style and frankly I love it even more than the Japanese style. Some have said this is a bit heavy, so lift weights? Get stronger? Practice? But I find it PERFECT. Many grip angles, styles, holds you name it. Balance is amazing and a good to great cutter, depending mostly on you, your ability and edge alignment, and how silly you get. Cold Steel has really outdone themselves with this, especially at the price. Care and attention to detail, and perhaps a bit of TLC, will give you the pride of your collection. In summery I cannot recommend this sword enough, it is OUTSTANDING. Perfect? No, but for the price and some work (depends) on your part this will take pride of place. I hope this helps.

TL;DR - Not easily impressed, paid regular price, suggest you buy it too.While it is not the most ornate, well built, battle worthy, and effective, it is quite remarkable in being a superior example of those qualities at a fair price.The sword is one handed, and a bit heavy for Tai Chi. The handle itself is also designed specifically for one handed use. The weight does add a bit of sticking power, possibly at the cost of some speed.That said, the size, weight and balance make it far more wildly than then even the slightly longer hand and a half bastard, or Italian style swords. (Both of those can be used one handed but with FAR greater effort.)To put it in perspective, the GIM is 2lb, with a 30" blade and a 7.25" handle.Meanwhile the hand and a half bastard sword is a whopping 3.125lb 33.5 inch blade and a large two handed 12" grip & pommel. The Italian sword is more wielsly but not by much at 2.8lb, 35.5" blade, and 11.5" grip & pommel.Bottom line is, the sword actually lives up to its online pictures, which are always nice. Blade is reasonably sharp for a sword (meaning not razor sharp but will slice cardboard, flesh and even thin branches easily).Already hung mine up on the wall.Tip/suggeation, if you're having trouble pulling it out on receipt, allow it to cool to room temperature or colder, then apply heat via drier above the handle. With sword pointed behind you, take hold of scabbard in one hand and reverse grip the handle. Pull, but do not jerk straight out.Wipe the grease off, polish, sharpen, apply oil, and you'll find the sword stays in scabbard just fine but is easy to take out.

Finish was somewhat rough. Your going to have to work on it. It’s not perfect but it’s a functional sword. Edge is sharp. It has a pointed tip. Edge is not the best I have seen but you can work with it. Has some done scratches on the blade. Most can be polished out. Not bad.Not razor sharp but it’s sharp enough to cut so be very careful. After some minor polishing and oil it’s a nice looking sword. I love the Rose wood / brass look. The Rosewood has finishing issues. The sword scabbed fit is real tight. Clean the blade and oil first. Take off the shipping oil.As for the wood some people will do a light sanding and oil. You could finish this sword perfect and hang the sword on the wall for a family heirloomI. I did minor work and it’s just right for me. Everyone is different. I like some minor imperfections. Gives the GIM character.Again it’s not perfect but for $188.00 to $236.00 it’s a fine functional good looking sword. I don’t like flashy. The GIM is just plane classy. Better then the flimsy stainless tai chi swords on the market for the same price. I would recommend.If you intend on doing a traditional sword form with this sword or practice cuts please be very carful. Some of the opening or beginning postures and grips may put your hand in a position to get cut. Handle with care even when polishing or oiling and storing in the scabbard.Cold Steel did a nice job on this sword Quality, Functionality , and reasonably priced.